Best Indoor Plants That Clean the Air Naturally

By Emma Thompson · June 10, 2025

Indoor plants like the spider plant, peace lily, and snake plant are scientifically proven to remove common indoor air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, improving indoor air quality and promoting well-being.

Why Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality

Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air due to off-gassing from furniture, cleaning products, and building materials. NASA's Clean Air Study demonstrated that certain houseplants naturally filter harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through their leaves and root systems.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen via photosynthesis
Microbes in plant soil help break down toxins
Some species are especially effective at removing specific pollutants

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

The following contaminants are frequently found in homes and offices:

Formaldehyde: Found in plywood, particleboard, and cleaning agents
Benzene: Present in plastics, synthetic fibers, and cigarette smoke
Trichloroethylene (TCE): Emitted by paint removers and adhesives
Ammonia: Common in glass cleaners
Xylene and toluene: Found in varnishes and paints

Top Air-Purifying Indoor Plants

These plants have been tested for their ability to remove indoor air toxins effectively and are suitable for various lighting conditions.

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Easy to grow and non-toxic to pets, the spider plant removes formaldehyde and xylene. It thrives in indirect sunlight and requires minimal care.

2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

This elegant plant removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. It prefers low to medium light but produces blooms when given adequate indirect light.

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this hardy plant releases oxygen at night and filters formaldehyde, benzene, and TCE. Ideal for bedrooms and low-light areas.

4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

A natural humidifier, the Boston fern excels at removing formaldehyde and xylene. It requires consistent moisture and high humidity.

5. Aloe Vera

This succulent not only purifies air by reducing benzene and formaldehyde but also provides healing gel for minor burns. It needs bright, indirect sunlight.

Plant Species	Formaldehyde Removal (μg/m³/hr)	Benzene Removal (μg/m³/hr)	Trichloroethylene Removal (μg/m³/hr)	Recommended Light
Chlorophytum comosum	20.8	12.1	6.3	Indirect
Spathiphyllum wallisii	25.6	18.4	10.2	Low to Medium
Sansevieria trifasciata	19.5	15.7	8.9	Low to Bright Indirect
Nephrolepis exaltata	22.3	10.5	7.1	Medium Indirect
Aloe vera	17.2	14.0	5.4	Bright Indirect

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that the peace lily has the highest overall removal rate for key VOCs, particularly trichloroethylene and benzene. Snake plants and Boston ferns also perform strongly in formaldehyde reduction, making them ideal for new buildings or recently furnished rooms. Lighting requirements vary significantly, so choosing the right plant for your environment is crucial for optimal air purification.

How to Maximize Air Purification with Houseplants

To get the most benefit from air-purifying plants, follow these best practices:

Use multiple plants: NASA recommends at least one plant per 100 square feet of living space.
Place strategically: Position plants in rooms with poor ventilation or high pollutant exposure (e.g., bathrooms, kitchens, home offices).
Maintain healthy plants: Dust leaves regularly and ensure proper watering to sustain metabolic activity.
Pot with activated charcoal: Adding a layer of activated charcoal to the soil enhances toxin absorption.
Combine with ventilation: Plants complement, but don’t replace, proper HVAC and air filtration systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air-Cleaning Indoor Plants

Do indoor plants really clean the air?

Yes, numerous studies, including NASA’s Clean Air Study, confirm that certain indoor plants absorb harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene through their leaves and roots, improving indoor air quality.

Which indoor plant is best for air purification?

The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) ranks among the top performers due to its high removal rates of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and ammonia, combined with low light requirements and ease of care.

How many indoor plants do I need to clean the air?

NASA suggests placing at least one air-purifying plant for every 100 square feet (9.3 m²) of space to achieve measurable improvements in air quality.

Are there any low-light air-purifying plants?

Yes, snake plants and peace lilies thrive in low-light environments while still effectively filtering indoor air pollutants, making them ideal for offices or dimly lit rooms.

Can I leave indoor plants in my bedroom?

Absolutely. Most plants consume oxygen at night, but the amount is negligible. Snake plants and aloe vera even release oxygen at night, making them excellent choices for bedrooms.